Gynecologic
At West Cancer Center, gynecologic cancers are treated using a team-based approach. Our specialists work together to provide personalized care for cancers affecting the female reproductive system, including ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Because every patient and diagnosis is unique, our team develops an individualized treatment plan focused on expert, compassionate care and the best possible outcomes.
Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer
Starts in the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) and is the most common form of gynecologic cancer.
Risk Factors
• Obesity
• Older age
• Prolonged estrogen exposure
• Tamoxifen
• Diabetes
• Infertility
• Lynch syndrome
Common Symptoms
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Postmenopausal bleeding
• Watery or bloody discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Pelvic pressure
Diagnosis
• Pelvic exam
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• Endometrial biopsy or D&C
• Staging imaging
• Tumor molecular testing
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on risk and stage.
• Surgery is standard for most cases
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
Ovarian Cancer
Begins in the ovaries (or related fallopian tube tissues) and accounts for more deaths than any other reproductive cancer.
Risk Factors
• Older age
• Family history
• BRCA1/2 mutations
• Lynch syndrome
• Endometriosis for some subtypes
• Never having been pregnant
Common Symptoms
• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Early fullness
• Urinary changes
• Bowel changes
• Fatigue
• Weight changes
Diagnosis
• Pelvic exam
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• CT
• CA-125 and other tests
• Surgical pathology
• Germline or tumor genetic testing
Treatment Options
• Surgery
• Platinum-based chemotherapy
• PARP inhibitors
• Bevacizumab
• Other targeted therapies
• Immunotherapy for selected cases
Cervical Cancer
Starts in the lower, narrow part of the uterus (the cervix) and is mostly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Risk Factors
• Persistent high-risk HPV
• Smoking
• Immune suppression
• Limited screening
• Prior cervical precancer
Common Symptoms
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Bleeding after sex
• Unusual discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Early disease may be silent
Diagnosis
• HPV/Pap screening
• Colposcopy with biopsy
• Staging imaging after diagnosis
Treatment Options
• Excision for selected early disease
• Hysterectomy for selected early disease
• Chemoradiation
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Other systemic treatment depending on stage
Vulvar Cancer
Develops on the outer external genital surface (the vulva).
Risk Factors
• Older age
• HPV
• Smoking
• Vulvar precancer
• Lichen sclerosus or other chronic inflammation
• Immune suppression
Common Symptoms
• Persistent itching
• Lump or sore
• Skin-color or texture changes
• Pain or burning
• Bleeding
Diagnosis
• Vulvar exam
• Biopsy
• Imaging when indicated
• Lymph-node assessment when cancer is confirmed
Treatment Options
• Surgery
• Sentinel-node evaluation
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Systemic therapy for advanced or recurrent disease
Cervical Cancer
Starts in the lower, narrow part of the uterus (the cervix) and is mostly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Vaginal Cancer
Forms in the cells lining the birth canal and is the rarest of these major types
Risk Factors
• High-risk HPV
• Prior cervical precancer or cancer
• Older age
• Smoking
• Immune suppression
• Rare prenatal DES exposure
Common Symptoms
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Pain during sex
• Pelvic pain
• Vaginal lump
• Urinary symptoms
• Bowel symptoms
Diagnosis
• Pelvic exam
• Colposcopy and biopsy
• MRI, CT, or PET/CT for staging
Treatment Options
• Radiation therapy, often with chemotherapy
• Surgery for selected cases
• Systemic therapy for selected cases